Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE 2026 Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League season gets underway this Saturday, with reigning champions Herentals Queens FC beginning their title defence against Harare City Queens at Callies Stadium.
After clinching last season’s title with an impressive 69 points, Herentals Queens will be aiming to extend their dominance and secure a remarkable fifth consecutive league championship.
The Students have established themselves as the benchmark in Zimbabwean women’s football and will enter the new campaign as firm favourites once again.
Their opening opponents, Harare City Queens, will be eager to start strongly after a difficult 2025 season in which they finished in the lower half of the table.
The new season also ushers in a wave of fresh competition, with several ambitious newcomers set to make their top-flight debut.
CAPS United Royals face a stern test against former champions Black Rhinos Queens at Stanchart Sports Club.
Elsewhere, debutants Rise of Hope Academy take on Correctional Queens, while Rufaro Starlets host Mpopoma Sports Academy at Mucheke Stadium.
Other opening weekend fixtures see Chapungu Queens square off against Ngezi Platinum Queens, while Faith Drive Academy entertain Cranborne Royals Queens.
In Kwekwe, Kwekwe Queens will battle fellow newcomers Chegutu Community Queens in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Originally scheduled to kick off earlier this month, the start of the season was delayed due to licensing requirements, heightening anticipation among fans and stakeholders.
With a 16-team lineup and an influx of ambitious new clubs, the 2026 campaign promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting seasons in the history of Zimbabwean women’s football.
